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Last Updated: Jan 11th, 2012 - 11:55:09
GENERAL COMMENTS – Commissioner’s Meeting – January 13, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in Room 201 of the Borough Hall. The announcement of Public Meetings was read by Commissioner Colombi. After the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, roll call was taken. Commissioner Colombi and Commissioner Kasko were present along with the Borough Administrator, Borough Solicitor and Borough Clerk. Commissioner Borden was absent.
Commissioner Kasko made a motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the December 22, 2009 meeting. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombi and was passed with a unanimous vote.
The second reading of Ordinance 2009-21 was announced, which amends Chapter 191 entitled Signs and Chapter 178 entitled Sales, Special. The Borough Administrator explained that this amendment is to make these two ordinances uniform in their regulations regarding both indoor and outside temporary signs for all businesses, as well as menu display signs for restaurants. Commissioner Colombi opened the public hearing on this ordinance.
Kirk Peterson, 214 Lakeview Avenue, thanked the Commissioners for passing this ordinance. He commented that this will allow for better enforcement of the regulations and for uniformity in the signs hung by the businesses. Commissioner Colombi noted that these recommendations came from a sign committee comprised of members from the Historic Preservation Commission and the Partnership for Haddonfield.
As there were no further questions asked Commissioner Kasko made a motion to close the public hearing on the ordinance. Commissioner Colombi seconded the motion. The Commissioners voted unanimously on the motion. The Commissioners then voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance on second reading.
Ordinance 2010-01 was then introduced for first reading, which amends Chapter 232 entitled Vehicle and Traffic. The Borough Administrator explained that this amendment is to correct the ordinance to include a $25 fee for the first two overnight parking permits for those homes that do not have driveways. It was noted that this fee had been originally adopted by the Commissioners in 2007, but through subsequent amendments it had been inadvertently removed. No questions were asked on this ordinance at this time. Commissioner Colombi announced that the public hearing would be held at the regularly scheduled Commissioner Meeting of January 26, 2010. The Commissioners then voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on first reading.
Once Resolution 2010-01-13-011 was announced, authorizing the payment of bills, Mr. Peterson asked for an explanation of the check cut to Designs by Distinction. Commissioner Kasko explained that this was for the holiday lights downtown. Mr. Peterson then asked what the payment to the First Presbyterian Church was for. The Borough Administrator explained that this was per an agreement with the Church. In exchange for a certain amount of parking spaces within their lot the Borough will maintain the lot. Therefore, this specific expense was for snow removal after the record snow fall we had in late December. Lastly, Mr. Peterson asked if the check to New Jersey American Water is for water consumption that is required by NJDEP or through the legislature. The Borough Administrator replied that NJDEP imposed limits on the quantity of water that can be drawn from our wells, resulting in a need to purchase a percentage of water from New Jersey American Water. Mr. Peterson followed up by asking if the new State government could make changes that would allow the municipalities to negotiate with other water supply companies for a better price. The Administrator remarked that to change the water carrier used would involve infrastructure changes and pointed out that as we purchase in bulk we get a lower price.
Josephine Pecorelli, 317 Belmont Avenue, asked why the Borough would be purchasing a Physicians Desk Reference. The Borough Administrator replied that it is used as a reference book in the Police Department.
As there were no further questions asked, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
Commissioner Colombi and Commissioner Kasko voted affirmatively to pass the following resolutions with no questions asked:
2010-01-13-012 Authorization to Issue Checks – Overpayment of Water & Sewer Accounts
2010-01-13-013 Authorization to Adopt Cash Management Plan
2010-01-13-014 Authorization to Designate Official Newspaper for Legal Notices
2010-01-13-015 Authorization to Permit Insurance Coverage for Certain Organizations
2010-01-13-016 Authorization to Approve Appointments – Library Board
The Commissioners presented a proclamation naming January 2010 as School Board Recognition Month to Glenn Moramarco of the Board of Education.
Commissioner Colombi opened the public comment portion of the meeting.
The fourth grade students from Elizabeth Haddon School were asked to stand, introduce themselves, as well as ask any questions they had. In attendance were Ciara Enright, 241 Mountwell Avenue; Elizabeth Mulvenna, 364 Hickory Lane; Erica McGrory, 133 N. Hinchman Avenue; Shea Enright, 241 Mountwell Avenue; Doug Huber, 311 Woodland Avenue; Jake Maroney, 49 West End Avenue; Will Bond, 829 Grove Street; Molly Sheehan, 210 Westmont Avenue; Maggy Clapp, 810 Cedar Avenue; and Emily Dombrowski, 111 Homestead Avenue. Miss Clapp asked when Woodland Avenue will be repaved because it is very bumpy. Commissioner Colombi replied that it had been scheduled for 2009, but got pushed back into 2010 because of the receipt of additional grant money to cover the cost. Miss McGrory asked why it takes so long to fix pot holes. Commissioner Colombi responded that these are done at certain times of the year. They cannot be fixed in the winter because of the low temperatures. She also encouraged everyone to call Public Works, who keeps a list of the pot holes that need to be fixed.
Walt Delengowski, 408 Linden Avenue, spoke to the Commissioners on the issue of people improperly burning wood in their fireplaces and outside chimeas. He presented to the Commissioners a large volume of documents obtained from the internet on State and County websites regarding health issues caused by the burning of improper items. He pointed out that this can cause serious health issues for seniors and children. He stated that he would like the Borough to regulate this in some way and that he expects a response from the Board of Commissioners on this issue. He offered his services to help resolve this problem. Commissioner Colombi asked the Borough Solicitor to review what can be done by the Borough.
Maryanne Jones, 408 Linden Avenue, stated that this is an on-going health hazard caused by pollution. She asked what recourse she has now to alleviate the problem. Commissioner Colombi, after confirming that the issue is caused by the burning of wet wood, pressure treated wood, etc., replied that the Borough will have to look into the issue before any response can be made.
Mr. Huber, 211 Woodland Avenue, asked if there was some way to make the ice on the streets melt quicker. Commissioner Colombi replied that although the snow plows put down salt as they are plowing, the ice and salt need sunshine and the heat/friction from traffic to make it melt faster.
Mr. Maroney, 49 West End Avenue, commented that when he plays on the field at Elizabeth Haddon School there is no grass anymore. Commissioner Colombi replied that this should be brought to the attention of the Board of Education.
Franklin Clapp, 810 Cedar Avenue, mentioned that he had been told that the fire hydrants should also be cleared when he was shoveling snow in his neighborhood and asked for an explanation of why this should be done and how much should be cleared. Commissioner Colombi responded that fire hydrants should be cleared of snow until they are visible and so that the Fire Department can connect a hose to the hydrant.
Miss McGrory asked why different sports are played during different times of the year, i.e. baseball in the summer, basketball in the winter, etc. Commissioner Colombi replied that sports are considered seasonal and this allows for fields and facilities to be used throughout the year, rather than everyone trying to use them all at the same time.
Mr. Peterson pointed out that there is a notice in “What’s On” about snow removal and the need to clean out around the fire hydrants. He also pointed out that on Centre Street the homeowners do not remove their vehicles from the street during a snow storm which makes it harder to get the street completely plowed. There is an ordinance that requires this to be done, but he believes the police do not enforce this ordinance by giving these vehicles tickets. He suggested the possibility of designating snow emergency routes in town. Commissioner Colombi replied that the Borough Administrator and the Police Chief will look into this issue. She commented that these people most likely do not have driveways in which to put their cars and if they are moved into parking lots, then the parking lots cannot be completely cleared.
Miss Mulvenna, 364 Hickory Lane, asked if girls are allowed to play baseball. Commissioner Colombi replied that they are, but that they would have to try out just like everyone else.
Miss Enright, 241 Mountwell Avenue, asked why girls don’t play football. Commissioner Colombi replied that this is a question for the Board of Education. Miss Enright then asked by we say the pledge of allegiance. Commissioner Colombi responded that this is to show respect for the flag and to remind us that it represents our country and the many freedoms that we enjoy.
Karen McGrory, 133 N. Hinchman Avenue, asked why there are markings in different colors on her street. The Borough Administrator explained that these are utility markouts from the various utility companies. The Borough is net necessarily responsible for requesting the markouts; it could be one of the utility companies.
Mr. Clapp commented that although there is a law stating that drivers are not supposed to be using their cell phones while driving he sees lots of people still talking on their phones. He asked how this could be better enforced. Commissioner Colombi explained that this law is to help stop people from having distractions while driving. Commissioner Kasko stated that hopefully this law will become more widely accepted the way the seat belt law did.
Miss McGrory asked why residents must park in their driveways. Commissioner Colombi replied that this is because the Borough has an ordinance that requires vehicles to be off the streets by 2:00 a.m.
Ms. Jones asked if the police enforce the overnight parking ordinance. Commissioner Colombi replied that they do. Ms. Jones then commented that there is also an ordinance on the books that requires the leaves to not be put in the streets, but many people do this. Is this ordinance enforced? Commissioner Colombi replied that this ordinance was adopted about two (2) years ago and that it takes time to indoctrinate residents. At this time letters are handed out to the residents who continue to put the leaves in the streets.
Miss Clapp asked if the snow plows could come back around once everyone has shoveled the snow at their homes because some of it gets put back out into the streets. Commissioner Colombi replied by reviewing the procedure for the plows and how many times they do come around. She also pointed out that the snow in December was a record breaking snow and she felt that Public Works did a good job on clearing it.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Bennett
Borough Clerk
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